LEEDS boss Peter Reid believes Sir Alex Ferguson is driven by the desire to again be crowned king of Europe.

It does not seem so long ago Ferguson was talking of retirement and spending time with his family after years devotedly spent making Manchester United the biggest club in the world.

Eventually Ferguson opted to sign a new contract, and now another is being mooted as he claims the hunger and the motivation remains to win matches and trophies.

But despite his unparalleled domestic success with United in recent times, on the continent and in the Champions League, Ferguson has only lifted the most-prestigious piece of club silverware just once and that now more than four years ago.

Top drawer

As Leeds prepare to face their bitter rivals in a high-noon showdown at Elland Road tomorrow, Reid can understand the drive and appetite of a man he hails as one of the legends of management.

"I was brought up on Bill Shankly at Liverpool, while Don Revie is a great at Leeds and the same goes for Sir Matt Busby," exclaimed Reid.

"Without a doubt, Sir Alex Ferguson comes into that equation. He is a top man who still has the hunger and desire and whose record is fantastic.

"I remember I was managing Manchester City many years ago and he was going through a difficult period with Manchester United. I even think I finished ahead of him in my first season!

"But he saw that through and Manchester United, over the last 10 to 15 years, have reaped the rewards.

"Even before he arrived it was always a massive club, had always been strong and there was always potential.

Winning ways

"But he is is the one who delivered that first championship since the 1960s and he is the one who took them to another level by winning championships after that.

"You can reel them off now, but you forget just how big that first one was which was the catalyst for him to go on and on and to then win the Champions League.

"You can talk about plc's and chairmen until the cows come home, but the reason they have gone from strength to strength is down to one man, and that is Sir Alex Ferguson.

"So I think it would be good for the game if he signed a new contract. For me, his teams play the right way, with a bit of style and they are the benchmark for any club at the moment.

"But more than anything, I genuinely believe he wants another European triumph."

Is Fergie driven by a desire to lift the Champions League again? Have your say.